One thing Dave and I always had to consider when we traveled in the northwest was the snow-covered mountain roads. It made winter travel dangerous at times and always required the upmost caution.
When we lived in Montana, we had at least three mountain passes that needed to be navigated on our way to visit family. With a covering of prayer and Dave’s excellent driving skills we always arrived safely, although somewhat stressed.
Our drive home this week was much less stressful. The roads were dry, crowded but dry. I like the straight dry roads of the desert. I guess that’s why these verses have such meaning to me.
“A voice is calling, ‘Make the way ready for the Lord in the desert. Make the road in the desert straight for our God. 4 Every valley will be lifted up and every mountain and hill will be brought down. The turns in the road will be made straight and the bad places will be made smooth. 5 Then the shining-greatness of the Lord will be seen. All flesh together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:3-5 NLV
These words were written about the coming of Christ over 400 years before he was born.
“ In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the desert in the country of Judea. 2 He said, ‘Be sorry for your sins and turn from them! The holy nation of heaven is near.’ 3 The early preacher Isaiah spoke of this man. He said, ‘Listen! His voice calls out in the desert! ‘Make the way ready for the Lord. Make the road straight for Him!’” Matthew 3:1-4 NLV
John the Baptist was chosen by God to deliver the message of repentance to the Jews prior to Jesus’ public ministry. He brought a message of hope.
Some of you may need that same message. Do you ever feel like you’re on a long crooked, treacherous road? Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs.
Jesus came to change the world, your world and my world. The tangled switchbacks of life become straight as we put our trust in Him. We don’t have to ride the emotional roller coaster of mountain top to valley and up again. He has come to give us peace. Christ came to make our rough places smooth. Remember, He is the One who spoke to the wind and the waves and commanded “Peace, be still”.
It may seem like you have been skidding out of control on an ice-covered road. Call out, like the words of the song, Jesus take the wheel!
“Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV
The power of God in our lives will make crooked places straight, rough places smooth; turn struggles into strength and battles into triumph.
Keep your eyes on Him who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.